Celebrities on their marks for Sheffield 10k

Thousands of runners are gearing up to pound Sheffield’s streets tomorrow in the city’s annual 10k race.

Celebrities including Rotherham actor Dean Andrews from Life on Mars, World Cup referee Howard Webb, from Rotherham, and Eden Taylor Draper, who plays Belle Dingle in Emmerdale, are among those hoping to complete the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run, which starts on Arundel Gate and takes runners along Penistone Road to Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium and back.

Final entries for the 10k, and the shorter children’s race, will be taken in the Winter Garden between 12noon and 4pm today.

Runners and supporters are being urged to arrive in the city early, with the route and some neighbouring streets closed to traffic.

Simon Dodds, from Beighton, is among those running - to raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital where his son was treated for a brain tumour.

His son Alex was nine when he was treated.

Now aged 13, Alex returns for regular MRI scans.

His dad said: “I feel it is my duty to repay the hospital and its charity for the excellent treatment Alex received - the care was second-to-none and the staff did everything they could to help us through what was an extremely difficult experience.

“I hope lots of patients, families and seasoned runners join in, donate, or even just come along to cheer us on.”